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Transcript

Willis May 14th 1881
My Dear Son
I would have written yesterday to
say we reached here safely but felt too ner-
vous to form a letter, as I felt half sick
when we arrived & all that night did not
sleep consequently had a severe headache
all day Sunday. But this morning am
very much better - headache entirely gone
and my bowels are entirely free from
pain. I do not eat any vegetables, or
anything, calculated to disagree with
me in any way - My appetite does not
crave everything as is usual when ones bow
-els are out of order - Sallie has plenty of
milk so I eat bread & milk mostly
We found Gaston at home and broken
down with hard work as sometimes he has
to drive a team hauling when suddenly
a driver leaves. I think the tie business
is a hard way to make a living partic-
ularly for one is his condition - as there
are often times he has to lift and that
brings on severe pain. He seems hopeful
that it will pay better now that they
have teams & outfit generally all paid
for. Sallie is looking better than I
expected to find her But her babie [sic]
is not well at all which gives
her worrie [sic].
I sent the $5.00 dol to Mr J by
Charlie yesterday - but he returned it
---------------------------------------------------
as he said he had drawn on Sam
for that much - so I have it. Tell
Sam so.
Elliot is now stud[y]ing well
he asked me to tell you & his Pa
that he had done six sums every day
and today is studying the tables - He
reads & spells - But says he cant
write good enough to write a letter
Nellie took the floore [sic] Sunday & I
think told them all she had seen
and heard during her stay in Houston
Mrs. Jordan & Miss Mary were here all
day together with Gas & Charlie it was
a regular Ashe Hubbub all day
which you know is delightful to one
with nervious [sic] headache. I was so
glad when night came
I hope to hear
from home today. Tell Sam to write
to Ell & me Let me know how my
little chickens are getting along.
Tell Ara I am thinking of home and
wonder how she gets along
Your Mother
Mary Jones
Several Papers came yesterday to Sallie
she will read them to me today I have
not seen any of the Willisites yet except
Shep Grove. Sallie has a fine garden